I am planning on doing tht HST over to Whitney Portal and then from Whitney Portal to Yosemite on the JMT. During normal snow years, I would probably feel safer with an ice ax, but I am wondering if I would even need to take it off my pack.
I was originally planning on buying and carrying one just in case, but I am not sure how long the passes will hold snow this year.
Ice ax needed for mid June-July?
- TwoFortyJeff
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- gdurkee
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Ice ax
I agree. I've never been a major ice ax fan for the Sierra. Ski poles, for balance, are your most useful tool. When things are a little tenuous (say, parts of the Whitney trail; north side of Glen Pass or south side of Mather), you can get Black Diamond poles with a pretty good self-arrest adze to attach.
Good hike.
George
Good hike.
George
- Steve Bearman
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Having just returned from the Rock Creek area (John Muir Wilderness), I can say that the low snow rumors are not just rumors. Check out the bottom graph here: http://cdec.water.ca.gov/icons/PLOT_SWC.2007.gif.
Mid-June last year required an ice axe for safe navigation of off-trail passes. This year, I am pretty confident there will be no need at all.
Mid-June last year required an ice axe for safe navigation of off-trail passes. This year, I am pretty confident there will be no need at all.
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